Cash from a new &#xA3;3 billion fund for developing science and technology will be shared by the North East as part of the Government's drive for full employment announced by Gordon Brown today.

In his keynote speech to the Labour Party Conference in Bournemouth today, the Chancellor said that in his Pre-Budget Report later this year he would "set out a plan for full employment, not just for one region of the country but full employment for every region and nation of Britain."

A vital part of this, Mr Brown said, would be "&#xA3;3 billion a year to be invested in Science and Technology - a strategy for building in our regions modern manufacturing strength."

He also highlighted the Labour Government introduction of the National Minimum wage which rises from &#xA3;4.20 to &#xA3;4.50 a hour next month.

The Chancellor said it would rise to &#xA3;4.85 an hour in 12 months' time and eventually to more than &#xA3;5 an hour.

Mr Brown was in uncompromising mood as he called for greater job market flexibility in the drive for employment for all.

He said the details of his proposals would appear in the Pre-Budget report later this year.